3.8 carb

Topic: 3.8 carb (Read 2264 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 carb

February 28, 2005, 08:34:45 PM

well i found a tbird with a 3.8 and carb. well i was curious if there was a 3.8 that ford made that DIDNT have computer controlled feedback carb and distributor? im thinkin of getting the intake and finding a carb for it and a distributor...but not sure where to find the dist? anyone have an idea? thanks

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #1 – February 28, 2005, 09:52:08 PM

1982-1986 Canadian 3.8's did not have a computer. They use the good ol' Duraspark II system. I had one. It sucked. 1985 Thunderbird, completely devoid of options except factory full-size spare and metallic paint. Of course it also lasted better than 270,000 miles with original head gaskets intact...

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #2 – February 28, 2005, 10:30:20 PM

I thought the only 9domestic) auto maker to produce a feedback carb was GM between 78-82? If you have any info about ford feedback carbs I'd be interested for curiosity's sake. Is their a chance you are mistaking a CFI unit for a "feedback carb"?

My 1986 thunderbird was a carburated 3.8L (swapped in a holley carb instead of constantly rebuilding the motorcraft 2150V). It ran for 195000miles, then spun a bearing, then became another boat anchor.

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #3 – March 01, 2005, 12:04:15 AM

well...it doesnt really answer the question on getting a distributor...unless i can get a canadian distributor off those years of cars... do i have any other options? and would i need to change anything else or plug up anything else if i change intake and dist to eliminate the computer?

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #4 – March 01, 2005, 12:33:55 PM

check out some pre 83 ford cars in the US. transfer that system to your car. these should be durasparkII (could be duraspark 1 or 3 also so make sure you kow what your getting)., that does handle your question on the dizzy as well as a carb you need.
Try a the boxy cougars/tbirds 82,81,80 ect ect and see what they have for you.

someone correct me if im wrong but i think thats what he's looking for.

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #5 – March 01, 2005, 01:03:04 PM

I have a '83 T-Bird with Calif smog and it did not come with a computer. The '83 V6 came with a Motorcraft 2bbl (1.08 size) and a DuraSpark II ignition system. The ignition does have a control box mounted on the left, but does not connect to the carb, except for one vacuum line if equipted with spark retard. No aftermarket distributors are available that I know of. I run a Holley 500CFM 2bbl carb and it really picks up performance of the car. I think the Holley 350CFM would be a better choice for the street, (stock carb is 287CFM), without affecting gas milage too much. A Motorcraft 1.12 or 1.14 2bbl would also work, but be harder to find, in good condition. Fred

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #6 – March 01, 2005, 08:57:30 PM

Give Summit Racing a call. They stock a Mallory Distributor for the non computer controlled V-6 engines. Make sure you can use it.

Chris

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #7 – March 01, 2005, 09:04:31 PM

ok i KNOW im not mistaking the CFI unit for feedback carb... 1986 ford mustang 2.3 that i had was 1 bbl carb...computer controlled...feedback carb. so in order to fix that i need to get a dist and carb for it( which im currently lookin for btw) and thanks for your help everyone i do beleive any pre 83 coug and tbird would have the distributor id be lookin for? and i dont need to grab anything ELSE besides a distributor correct??

Re: 3.8 carb

Reply #8 – March 01, 2005, 09:47:47 PM

whats the vin on this tbird,, you havent mentioned a year yet.

if it has an eec controlled carb now,, it will most likely accept a non computer controled carb as long as you snag the dizzy as well.

what are you calling the carb thats on it now,, got numbers?
thats important for folks like thunderchicken and others to work from.

im pretty sure i know which one and aside form the US electrical parts fix onto its sides, its just another carb in the woods.